Neighbourhood Watch: Rogue Traders following the strong winds

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Following the recent strong winds, Hertfordshire Trading Standards are reminding residents to be cautious of traders going door-to-door offering to undertake gardening and maintenance work.

A typical tactic of rogue traders, who often seem genuine, is to claim there is damage to your roof, such as a broken tile. If given access, the rogue trader will then claim the damage is worse than they first thought, and requires urgent attention. The rogue trader may then claim the roof is in danger of collapsing, causing panic and giving the impression that work needs doing immediately. In the past, Trading Standards have received complaints of this very nature where it has later been discovered that the value of the ‘repair’ is far less than was charged, and in some cases the work did not need doing in the first place.

Please check for any damage to your neighbour’s property, particularly older persons and those that are more vulnerable, as rogue traders may target them. Remind them to be cautious of traders going door-to-door. Any suspected rogue traders can be reported to Police via 101 or to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.

If work needs doing, the advice from Trading Standards is to source a reputable trader and say no to any cold callers, whether at the door, on the telephone or email. Seek recommendations from family or friends, or you can find a list of Which? Trusted Traders here: https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk. Traders with a ‘Hertfordshire Trading Standards approved’ logo have been assessed by Trading Standards and DBS checked.

For more information about consumer rights for contracts agreed to in your home visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.

AGM 2019 update – Turning Area Clarification

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It was minuted in the AGM 2019 last month that we should investigate the misuse of the turning area and try to prevent people from parking there.

White lines are only an advisory notice

We contacted the police who advised us to contact the local council about parking restrictions. We did so and Sawbridgeworth Council then forwarded our enquiry to East Herts Council as they are the ones who enforce parking restrictions. Unfortunately East Herts Council informed us that the white lines, road painted “keep clear” and the “no parking turning area” signs are only an advisory notice and therefore they cannot be enforced.

However, they did say that if we wanted to get yellow lines or parking restrictions added we could do so by contacting Sawbridgeworth Council directly. They warned us that this can be a lengthy process and would be dependent on the budget of the local council.

What to do next?

To request yellow lines and parking restrictions then you will need to contact Sawbridgeworth Town Council by emailing info@sawbridgeworth-tc.gov.uk or call them on 01279 724537.

Neighbourhood Watch: Theft from Motor Vehicles

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There have been several thefts from motor vehicles. Please read the top tips below to prevent further incidents from occurring:

Top tips to prevent vehicle crime:

  • Secure number plates with anti-theft screws.
  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle – not even in the boot or glove box.
  • Register your valuables on www.immobilise.com.
  • Ensure doors are locked and windows are shut when leaving your vehicle unattended.
  • Keep your keys out of sight.
  • Always remove keys from the ignition, even if you’re only popping out for a minute.

If you see/hear any suspicious activity, please contact the police by calling 101. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

Police Contact Advice

Telephone 999 in an emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress. Telephone 101 for non-emergencies where police attendance is required, to report a crime or to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call. Alternatively, visit www.herts.police.uk/contact to report a non-emergency crime online or chat to a police operator live via our web chat service. If you are calling about the above, please tell us that you are responding to a message from OWL Neighbourhood Watch.

LCMA Update: Group of Youths Causing Damage

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It has been reported to us by a committee member, that late on Friday afternoon, 5 youths came down the path from Bullfields walking through the estate and then went into the Garage Court 1.

At this point the “Private Grounds” sign which was screwed onto the fencing in the car park was ripped off, and was thrown like a Frisbee on to the grass.

After calling out to the youths informing them that they had just damaged private property and that they were trespassing on private grounds by being in the garage area, they just laughed and became abusive to the committee member.

Shortly after, 4 more youths arrived, who were obviously with them, then told them to just get on. The departing comment from one was, “Alright now darling”.

This matter has been reported to the police and we ask all residents to be vigilant and report any vandalism to the LCMA by emailing us at help@leatclose.org.uk and if necessary please contact the police using the non-emergency line 101.